CSO figures show rise in kidnappings

New figures from the Central Statistics Office show an increase in the number of kidnappings around the country in 2013.

According to the CSO, there were 119 related offences in the 12 months to the end of December, that compares with 101 in the previous twelve months, or a rise of 17.8%.

The annualised figures also show a drop of 13.9% in cases of fraud and deception.

Other criminal offences to show a decrease were Burglary and Related Offences (down 7.2%), Damage to Property and the Environment (down 10.7%), and Public Order and Other Social Code Offences (down 17.1%).

The statistics have been welcomed by the acting Garda Commissioner, Noirín O'Sullivan, who says the decrease in crime rates reflects the commitment and hard work by the dedicated members of An Garda Síochána.

Ms O'Sullivan said the fall in Weapons and Explosive Offences (down 9.9%) and Controlled Drugs Offences (down 6.4%) confirm that the Gardaí's "on-going efforts to tackle organised crime and subversive activity are working and are necessary to continue to help protect citizens, communities and the State".

She said: "The decrease in crime rates in 11 of the 14 crime groups reflects the commitment and hard work being carried out by the dedicated members of An Garda Síochána throughout the organisation every day of the week.

"We know that crimes such as burglary, property damage and public order are a major concern for people as they can impact on their quality of their daily lives. That is why we put in place successful operations such as our anti-burglary Operation Fiacla."